Get involved at SILVAR, take advantage of opportunities, 2012 SILVAR President tells members

SILVAR 2012 President Suzanne Yost stressed the importance, value and benefits of being a SILVAR member at the association’s Menlo Park/District meeting this week. She reminded everyone of SILVAR’s mission statement:

“The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® is dedicated to being a leader in the real estate industry by promoting the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, representing the interests of property owners, and providing exceptional service to its membership.”

Membership at SILVAR, the California Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS® allows REALTORS® to have great opportunities at the local, state and national level. The associations’ lobbying efforts allow members to stay on top of what’s happening at the local, state and national level even before others know about it, said Yost.
Yost said SILVAR has been successful largely due to its district council model, which enables each district to retain its individuality, serve members’ needs and their respective communities.

SILVAR is financially secure, with 4,000 primary members. Thanks to sound fiscal management, the Association has not had to increase dues since 2002, and continues to provide important benefits to members. Some of the many benefits include PRDS Forms, education courses, tour sheets, political advocacy, the weekly newsletter and monthly newspaper, lockbox and keys.

Yost encouraged members to take advantage of volunteer opportunities by participating in district events and programs. “One of the values of being a SILVAR member is getting involved,” said Yost. “We get more out of it than we give.”

She also stressed the importance of each member abiding by the Code of Ethics, which is what differentiates REALTORS® from real estate agents. SILVAR takes the grievance process seriously, she said. Complaints are professionally handled by SILVAR’s Grievance and Professional Standards committees.

It’s a good time to be a REALTOR® and a SILVAR member. Yost has good feelings about 2012. “I feel we’re coming out of a tunnel, and things will be better. It truly is a year of possibilities,” said Yost.